Los Angeles - Movie producer Avi Arad has optioned the rights to develop a movie based on "Mass Effect," the popular sci-fi game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts (NASD: ERTS), Variety reported, citing confirmation by "numerous sources." Arad previously headed comic publisher Marvel's movie business ("X-Men," "Spider-Man") and now helms his own production company, which is currently working on an adaptation of the game "Lost Planet."

Singapore - Shortly after enacting a ban on the sale of Microsoft's (NASD: MSFT) "Mass Effect" video game over an alien-lesbian love scene, Singapore has changed course and will now only allow those over 18 to purchase the title, Reuters reported, citing an article in the local Strait Times. "Mass Effect" received the first-ever rating for a video game in Singapore, in a move that will likely accelerate the planned introduction of a game ratings system in the county, the Strait Times reported.

Singapore - Singapore's Media Development Authority has banned Microsoft's (NASD: MSFT) "Mass Effect" video game in the country, over a scene that shows "a human woman and an alien woman kissing and caressing each other," Reuters reports, citing the local Straits Times newspaper. The country's parliament last month voted to let stand a ban on sex between men. Other titles that have been banned in Singapore due to sexual or violent content include "God of War 2," "The Darkness" and the "Grand Theft Auto" series.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft Game Studios and developer BioWare said this week that they have signed voice talent including actor Seth Green ("Austin Powers," "Robot Chicken") to appear in their forthcoming game, "Mass Effect." The game is set for release for Xbox 360 on Nov. 20.